Pope Francis, at the end of his 11-day pilgrimage to Asia, came to the richest and at the same time the most religiously diverse country, praising its "inclusiveness" and "constructive dialog of authorities with all". This is intended to advance social cohesion. Francis encouraged Singapore, which maintains good relations with China, to become more active internationally in promoting multilateralism and peace. At the same time, he called for a fight against extremism.
The head of the Vatican State remains greatly impressed by Singapore's cultural, cultural and spiritual diversity. Despite this large diversity, citizens are to live there in peace, reportedly thanks to the engagement of the rulers "in constructive dialog with all".
Addressing the representatives of the authorities and diplomatic corps, the Pope, who, after John Paul II, has been the second head of the Vatican to visit this place since diplomatic relations were established 43 years ago, called for a greater commitment to advance inclusiveness, fraternity and multilateralism and peace in the world.
Francis besides sided with families and strengthened the foundations on which they are based. – They must be able to convey values that give meaning and form to life and teach young people to make strong and healthy relationships. Therefore, efforts to promote, defend and advance household unity through actions of different institutions are commendable. – he said.
Singapore, although decriminalising sexual relations between men recently, has besides introduced safeguards against changes in regulations aimed at the designation of alleged single-sex marriages and their adoption of children.
Francis referred to the "environmental crisis" and the request to overcome it through capital, technology and talent and resources that can drive innovation to defend "our common home".
He praised the engagement of the authorities "in sustainable improvement and protection of creation", which he felt should be an example for others. Francis hoped that innovative technological solutions would aid solve environmental problems.
With clear influence to accomplish Singapore, the Pope said that "Singapore is simply a perfect example of what humanity can accomplish, working together, with a sense of responsibility, and in a spirit of inclusiveness and brotherhood."
The Pope called for a fight against extremism and intolerance, which threatens social harmony. A akin call appeared in Jakarta, where Francis met with the Grand Imam of the celebrated Istiqlal mosque and called on the muslim authorities to adopt a average attitude and interreligious dialogue.
The call to fight extremism coincided with the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the duplicate towers of the planet Trade Center in fresh York City and the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths.
– Mutual respect, cooperation, dialog and freedom of religion within the limits of the law are conditions that enable Singapore's success and stability said Francis.
These features, as he said, are “necessary to avoid conflict and chaos and alternatively supply sustainable and sustainable development”.
W Singapore lives about 7% of Catholics. Francis pointed to their contribution to wellness care and education. He acknowledged the function of missionaries in the foundation of these initiatives.
Recalling the declaration Nostra Aetate of 1965 on relations with non-Christian religions, he said that the Church consistently promotes dialog and cooperation between all spiritual communities.
The Church is to do so “in a spirit of openness and common respect, which are fundamental to building a just and peaceful society”.
Singapore's authorities praised the Holy See under Francis for being "a strong and essential advocate of human brotherhood and the sustainable improvement of the environment." The Vatican has besides engaged in efforts to advance interfaith and intercultural harmony and dialogue.
Francis talked about the fast improvement of modern technologies, including advanced algorithmic systems, but warned against reducing individual interactions. He emphasized that 1 should not forget to cultivate real and circumstantial relationships between people.
Singapore, which maintains good relations with China, builds "social cohesion" through draconian government limiting freedom of expression. Those critical of the government, journalists, activists, bloggers go to jail for writing banned content. There are many libel lawsuits. Conventions are besides restricted. The country maintains the death penalty.
Authorities are fighting “enemy information campaigns” that are criminalised under an ambiguous law Foreign Intervention (Counter-Measures) Act (FICA). It grants the Minister of Home Affairs broad powers to request the deletion or exclusion of content online, mandatory publication of news developed by the government, prohibition of downloading applications in Singapore and disclosure of information by online platforms. The powers of the Minister under the law are reinforced by severe penalties under the Criminal Code and judicial review is limited to procedural matters only.
The government may designate ‘politically crucial persons’ who may be required to respect strict restrictions on the funds received and to disclose any links with foreigners. This concerns civilian society activists, researchers and journalists who work with people outside Singapore.
For organising a protest, picketing, any assembly without police permission, there are severe penalties (criminal charges). The pretext to refuse authorisation may be the participation of any foreigner in the planned meeting.
Not only is the death punishment or life conviction applied to criminals, but it is common to apply corporal punishments specified as flogging. For men aged 16 to 50 who are in good physical condition, whipping is even mandatory for the age of crime.
The problem in Singapore is to usage migrants who have tremendous debts to agents recruiting them to work. They frequently face unpaid wages. They besides have limited mobility capabilities. Their passports are confiscated. Physical and sexual force is besides to occur.
Foreign home workers who are covered by the abroad Labour employment Act, alternatively than the employment Act, are deprived of many key worker safety features.
Singapore is simply a regional center of global business. A tiny country maintains very good political and economical relations with both China and the United States, which consider this city-state a key safety ally.
Sources: Cruxnow.com, hrw.org
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